Iowa to North Carolina Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to North Carolina

ConsIowa

• Harsh Winters
• Few Entertainment Options
• Fewer Job Opportunities
• Limited Beach Access

ProsNorth Carolina

• Mild Climate
• Thriving Cultural Scene
• Robust Job Market
• Beautiful Beaches

---

North Carolina

• Higher Living Costs
• Busier Environment
• Hurricane Risk
• Urban Sprawl

Iowa

• Low Cost of Living
• Quiet Lifestyle
• Strong Agricultural Industry
• Community Focus

Pros of moving from Iowa to North Carolina

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild climate
• Look forward to moving away from few entertainment options and moving to North Carolina with a thriving cultural scene
• Swap the fewer job opportunities of Iowa for a robust job market in North Carolina
• Get ready for beautiful beaches in North Carolina

Cons of moving from Iowa to North Carolina

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in Iowa to live with higher living costs in North Carolina
• You'll lose out on the pro of a quiet lifestyle and have to settle with the con of a busier environment
• Time to bid farewell to a strong agricultural industry and get used to hurricane risk in North Carolina
• Swap community focus for urban sprawl

Iowa vs. North Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Iowa to North Carolina, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Corn-fed Beef Steak and sumptuous Fried Sweet Corn, North Carolina residents know they have tasty Eastern Style BBQ and NC BBQ Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Corn Dogs they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit of North Carolina. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like Amana Colonies' Ronneburg Restaurant, Hessen Haus, and Zombie Burger. After the boxes are unpacked in North Carolina, don't wait too long before making your way to North Carolina's acclaimed eateries like Skylight Inn BBQ, Lexington Barbecue, and Biscuitville.

When comparing lifestyles, North Carolina shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Iowa. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in North Carolina compared to what you are used to in Iowa. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in North Carolina.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and North Carolina

• The Prairie School and Craftsman architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Colonial Revival and Cape Cod architecture typical of North Carolina.
• Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and energy efficiency, North Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to amenities and hardwood floors.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. North Carolina is more walkable than Iowa.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. North Carolina is more bike-friendly than Iowa.
• North Carolina has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
• North Carolina housing costs are 54% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $329,225 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Carolina have increased by 63% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
• Rent in North Carolina is 60.31% more expensive than in Iowa.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Iowa and North Carolina

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Iowa to North Carolina. North Carolina gets 4% more sunshine days than Iowa.
• North Carolina has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Iowa.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and blizzards in Iowa, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in North Carolina.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in North Carolina is 4 degrees warmer than in Iowa.
• The average winter lows are 16 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
• Your umbrella might be overworked more in North Carolina. North Carolina receives 14 more inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and North Carolina

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Carolina tend to earn about 3% less than in Iowa
• The COLI in North Carolina will be 0% lower than what you are used to living in Iowa
• The state income tax in NC is 5.25% compared to 4.5% in IA
• The affluence in North Carolina is growing compared to moderate in Iowa
• The poverty level is moderate in North Carolina compared to low in Iowa
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and moderate in North Carolina

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. North Carolina

• Iowa tends to lean swing State in its political climate
• North Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as swing State
• North Carolina's religious environment can be described as Christianity predominates with Baptist and Methodist strongholds and increasing religious diversity
• Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity predominates with diverse religious communities in urban areas

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to North Carolina

How Much Do Iowa to North Carolina Movers Cost?

Moving 1,066 miles from Iowa to North Carolina will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.